Scroll down for answers to our most frequently asked questions about Birth/Death Records and Voting.

Birth/Death Records

Q. How do I correct or change a record?

The Michigan Department of Community Health Vital Records Office must make any correction or change to a Michigan birth or death record. The Grosse Pointe City Clerk’s Office is unable to make changes to a vital record. If you need an application for a correction or change call (517) 335-8660 or visit the State website at www.michigan.gov/mdch.

Q. How do I obtain death records?

The City Clerk only maintains Death Records for persons whose death occurred, either within the City limits, or at Beaumont Hospital Grosse Pointe (formerly Bon Secours Hospital). A death record application form is available under City Clerk Downloads.

You will need to complete a death record request form.

The death record request form must be completed and submitted, by mail or in person, the the City Clerk's office.

All fee requirements and the city's mailing address are listed at the top of the printable form.

Please Note: Acceptable forms of payment are personal checks or money orders made payable to the City of Grosse Pointe. Cash should be used for walk-in payments only and not sent through the mail.

Q. Is there an Information Hotline?

State of Michigan Department of Community Health 24 Hour Information Hotline: (517) 335-8656.

Q. Is it urgent that I obtain a record. What should I do?

If a birth or death record request is urgent, the State of Michigan Vital Records Office offers expedited service for mail and walk-in customers for a fee. The State of Michigan also offers Federal Express (1-2 next business day delivery) available within the Continental U.S. for an additional fee. This service is only available for online credit card ordering through the State website www.michigan.gov/mdch. The City of Grosse Pointe does not offer expedited or overnight delivery services for birth or death record requests.

Q. Where are original birth and death records maintained?

The State of Michigan Vital Records Office maintains all original birth and death records. As an additional source, vital records can be requested through the State office by mail, office walk-in or online at www.michigan.gov/mdch.

Q. Who is not eligible to order a certified copy of a birth certificate?

Power of Attorney

Individuals with custody

Agencies without court order

Spouse

Children of registrant

Siblings
The request form must be completed and submitted by main, or in person, to the City Clerk's office.
Applicants must show photo identification when applying in person. No exceptions will be made to this policy.
Applicants must send a copy of photo identification when submitting a request by mail.
All fee requirements and the city's mailing address are listed at the top of the printable form.

Please Note: Acceptable forms of payment are personal checks or money orders made payable to the City of Grosse Pointe. Cash should be used for walk-in payments only and not sent through the mail.

Voting Information

Q. Am I eligible to vote?

Qualified voters must be able to answer yes to the following statements:

You are a citizen of the United States

You are a resident of the State of Michigan for 30 days

You are a resident of the City of Grosse Pointe

Q. Because I registered to vote by mail and have not voted in Michigan before, I must vote in person. Is there a way I can vote absentee?

Under Michigan law, if you register to vote by mail, you must appear in person to vote in the first election in which you wish to participate (this provision does not apply if you are 60 years old, disabled, or an overseas voter.) If you are subject to the "voting in person" requirement and need an absentee ballot, you can satisfy the requirement by requesting an absent voter ballot in person from the clerk of the city where you are registered to vote by the day preceding the election.

Q. How do I obtain an Absentee Ballot?

Any registered voter, who cannot go to the polls because of a physical disability or due to an absence from the City or due to being 60 years of age or more, may obtain an Absentee Ballot. This is done by applying in person or by mail -- as early as 75 days in advance and before and up to 2:00 pm of the Saturday preceding the election. Note: A written request for an Absentee Ballot must include your signature. Absentee Ballot Application (PDF).

Q. How do I register to vote in the City of Grosse Pointe?

Register in person during regular business hours at the City Clerk's Office or register at your local Secretary of State. The 30th day preceding the election is the deadline for registering to vote. Remember! If you move, even within the Pointes, you must re-register. A name change also requires re-registration.

You can verify your voter registration status at the State of Michigan website at: www.michigan.gov/sos or at your City Clerk's Office.